Sweet Grown Alabama News

Sweet Grown Alabama is proud to announce an exciting partnership with Alabama Ag Credit that will make it easier than ever for Alabama farmers to join the state’s agricultural branding program. Through an expansion of Alabama Ag Credit’s Vendor Voucher Program, up to 50 eligible new members can now receive financial assistance to cover Sweet Grown Alabama membership fees, an alternative to farmers market booth fee if they choose, empowering more producers with access to valuable marketing and promotional opportunities. Thanks to Alabama Ag Credit’s commitment to supporting local producers, more farmers will be able to take advantage of these benefits without the barrier of upfront membership costs.

"We are incredibly grateful to Alabama Ag Credit for expanding this program to help farmers invest in their businesses,” said Ellie Watson, Director of Sweet Grown Alabama. “Marketing is essential in today’s agricultural landscape, and Sweet Grown Alabama provides farmers with the tools they need to reach consumers more effectively. With Alabama Ag Credit’s support, we can ensure that more local farmers can afford to be part of this movement to promote Alabama-grown products.”

Alabama Ag Credit, a trusted financial cooperative serving farmers and rural landowners, originally established the Vendor Voucher Program to help producers reduce the barrier of entry for small farmers to sell directly to consumer. This latest expansion demonstrates the organization’s continued commitment to Alabama agriculture and their understanding of the challenges many farms face when marketing their products.

“We recognize the impact Sweet Grown Alabama has on our farmers and local food economy,” said Nick Hartley, CEO of Alabama Ag Credit. “By offering financial assistance for membership fees, we’re helping more producers take advantage of the incredible marketing opportunities Sweet Grown Alabama provides. It’s an investment in the future of Alabama agriculture.”

The Vendor Voucher Program is open to not only Alabama Ag Credit customers but also all qualified agricultural producers who are interested in joining Sweet Grown Alabama for the first time. Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis for up to 50 memberships, and membership dues will be covered by Alabama Ag Credit for the first full year. The program is available through July 31, 2025, or until all funds are awarded.

Applications for the Vendor Voucher Program are available on the Alabama Ag Credit website. All applications must be submitted by July 31, 2025.

By making Sweet Grown Alabama membership more accessible, this initiative will help farmers grow their businesses while also increasing consumer awareness and demand for locally grown products. This partnership is a significant step toward building a stronger, more connected agricultural community in Alabama.

“Every dollar spent on Alabama-grown products helps support a farm family right here in our state,” said Watson. “We are proud to work with Alabama Ag Credit to make it easier for farmers to participate in our program, ultimately driving more support for local agriculture.”

For more information about Sweet Grown Alabama membership visit SweetGrownAlabama.org.